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3d ago

Border Patrol Arrests Two Firefighters at Bear Gulch Wildfire After BLM Identity Check

Federal officials say a BLM-requested identity check tied to a contractor probe led to two immigration arrests, prompting contract cancellations.

Satellite view of the Bear Gulch Fire shows a dense smoke plume over Mason County, Washington, as crews battle the wildfire burning over 7,000 acres in Olympic National Forest and Park. Responders are prioritizing evacuations, air quality protection, and structure defense amid challenging terrain and heavy smoke. Imaged 12 August 2025.
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Overview

  • Customs and Border Protection says the firefighters are detained at the Bellingham Border Patrol station on illegal entry and reentry charges, with one having a prior removal order.
  • The Bureau of Land Management terminated contracts with Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc. and escorted the remaining 42 contractor employees off federal lands.
  • Incident managers report the enforcement action did not impede operations as crews continue working a roughly 9,000-acre fire that was about 13% contained.
  • A multiagency criminal investigation into the contractor firms is ongoing, according to federal statements that confirmed the on-site identity verification request.
  • Eyewitness accounts and images describe agents ordering crews to line up and show identification and instructing them not to record, as Washington officials including Sen. Patty Murray, Gov. Bob Ferguson, Rep. Emily Randall, and Sen. Ron Wyden demand answers.